How to Style Your Earrings

Why the Ear Party Is About to Be the New Arm Party

Full disclosure: I've been wearing the same studs in my ears for over three months. I wish I was one of those girls who changed them everyday, but I simply tend to forget. However, I'm suddenly picking up on a new trend. Some of our favorite style stars — Cara Delevingne, Vanessa Hudgens, and Kate Mara included — have been sporting killer ear parties. And I'm not just talking cuffs — there's some serious mixing and matching going on, and each look is more unique than the next.

So, I'm turning over a new leaf. Taking inspiration from some of my favorite pile-it-on moments, we've come up with seven ways to create an edgy, eye-catching ear party. Let's just say I won't be sporting my boring, old mini studs for a while — at least not by themselves.

If you’ve got an ear that’s been pierced twice, start with a colorful, jewel-tone gem and finish with some sort of spike. Kate only played this game on one side, which we totally love. You can either split the sets with a friend or be all matchy-matchy about it later on.

We’re obsessed with Rita’s wing earrings, but we’re even more obsessed with her placement choice. Find a pair of clip-ons, so you can position as you see fit, and finish with a square stud that complements the main statement piece.

Vanessa is certainly no stranger to the ear party. To style a super dramatic rocker look like hers, go for something chunky, dangling, and long (bonus points if your pick touches the tips of your shoulders!) and then complete with one single, solid cuff.

To make like Jessica, start with a long piece that wraps through the inside of your ear, like the vortex option below. If you’ve got more than one hole (and enough room), find a simple stud to play up the cuff.

To get Cara’s ultra-punk look, start with a serious dagger for your lobe, then buy a set of chunky studs to embellish your cartilage with. If you’ve got two holes at the top of your ear, you’re golden. But, if you’ve only got one, you can simply wear half the set — or you could always head to the mall and get another quick piercing.